Recycling at the Fillmore County Fair was very successful again this year. It has been estimated that somewhere between 6,000 and 7,000 beverage bottles and cans were collected and recycled. A greater number of visitors to the fair each year are using the clear plastic containers to dispose of their recyclables rather than simply throwing everything into garbage cans. This shows that Fillmore County residents are indeed concerned for the environment and recycle whenever the opportunity arises.

The Beer Barn sold beverages in aluminum cans this year which accounted for a rise in the number of containers, as well.

The chilly, October-like evenings we encountered in mid-August reminded us that the celebration of the Fall Household Hazardous Waste Day is drawing closer. The date is Tuesday, October 1, from noon until 5p.m. I would like to remind you once more, that in the fall, HHW Day is always the first Tuesday of October. It is not too soon to start thinking about what paints, pesticides, and other poisons you no longer want or need and would like to donate to the cause.

As usual, check with your neighbors and friends, and if they cannot attend the party, perhaps they could send their HHW items with you.

Once again, we will be collecting mercury thermometers. We have a supply of brand new, never been used digitals that we will gladly trade for your mercury model. As in the past, a week or two prior to the event, newspapers will have a more detailed list of what is accepted at HHW Day and what is not. If you have any questions concerning an item or two, please feel free to contact the Resource Recovery Center at 765-4704 or myself at lpaulson@co.fillmore.mn.us.

If the evenings remind us of October, then the Fillmore Soil and Water Conservation District Annual Field Day must not be far away. I will be looking forward to visiting with all of the students who venture to Forestville State Park sometime in mid-September to experience recycling and other forms of conservation in Fillmore County and throughout the State of Minnesota. Thank you, Mr. Grooters and the entire staff of the SWCD for offering this special day of learning throughout the years.

November 15 is America Recycles Day. It is a day set aside each year for each of us to think about the need for better recycling and how each of us can improve our recycling habits. Prior to this date, I will submit an article with a list of things you can possibly do to make your recycling efforts more efficient. If there is a specific recycling question or comment you would like me to address in that article, please feel free to contact me and I will try to include it. You can be assured that plastic bags, rural containers, number 5 plastic, and styrofoam will most likely be on the list.

The Salvation Army containers are still with us and we ship a lot of clothing, shoes, belts, purses, small rugs, curtains, and bedding to Rochester , Minn.each week. A protective “roof” has recently been constructed in the area where the containers are kept. The roof is meant to keep the local, resident pigeons from decorating the covers of the containers, and it is working quite well. Please keep in mind that we accept torn and stained materials. However, they must be clean and dry.

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